Nigerian international striker, Victor Boniface, has expressed his deep frustration after being stranded at a Libyan airport for nearly 13 hours without access to basic necessities such as food, Wi-Fi, or proper sleeping arrangements.
The Union Berlin star, who is currently en route to a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice his grievances publicly, directing his message towards the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and calling for urgent improvements in the treatment of African teams and players during international tournaments.
It would be recalled that the Super Eagles of Nigeria embarked on their journey from Lagos on Sunday morning, heading for the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier second-leg match against Libya. Unfortunately, upon their arrival in the North African country, Boniface and his teammates were left stranded at the airport for over 13 hours, a situation that the player described as both frustrating and unacceptable.
Boniface took to social media to bring the situation to light, sharing his displeasure in a post that read, “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food, no Wi-Fi, no where to sleep. African, we can do better @CAF.” His statement highlights the inadequate travel and logistical arrangements that are unfortunately too common during international tournaments in Africa.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about the state of travel infrastructure for African teams competing in AFCON qualifiers. Boniface’s ordeal has resonated with fans and fellow athletes, many of whom have since rallied around his post, calling on CAF and other national football associations to take immediate action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This situation has further intensified the conversation surrounding the need for better planning and support for African teams, with many calling on CAF to ensure that teams and players are provided with adequate facilities, logistical support, and welfare throughout their participation in major tournaments such as AFCON.
Boniface’s plea adds to the growing calls for reforms within the African football system to improve the overall experience for players and staff, particularly during long-haul journeys between countries. Fans hope that CAF and other relevant authorities will take the necessary steps to ensure better conditions for African teams in the future, to avoid unnecessary suffering and delays that could negatively impact team morale and performance.